POLICE have stepped up patrols across Wiltshire in a bid to clampdown on drink-driving during the festive period.

Wiltshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit is working closely with partner agencies from the Road Safety Partnership, to target those who fail to abide by the law.
Officers from RPU will also be out and about in the community for a number of interactive sessions in various town centres to explain the dangers of drink and drug driving.

Acting Inspector Will Ayres said: “We hold a zero tolerance approach to drink and drug driving all year round, however, we know that as Christmas approaches everyone is getting into the festive spirit with lots of parties planned over the coming weeks.
“While we want everyone to enjoy the festivities as much as possible, it’s really important that this is done safely.
“Please plan your journey home or have a designated driver within your group.
“Consuming alcohol or drugs before getting the behind the wheel of a car is not worth the risk.
“We see first-hand the devastation felt by families whose loved ones have been killed on our roads, often at the hands of a drink driver, and it is difficult to even put into words just how heart-breaking this can be.
“Please, don’t be responsible for tearing a family apart this Christmas.”
The month-long operation targeting drivers under the influence of drink or drugs began on December 1 and will run for the entire festive period.

Last Christmas, Wiltshire Police arrested 45 drivers on suspicion of drink driving and 31 for driving under the influences of drugs.
And between January 1 and October 31 this year, 583 drivers were arrested for drink driving offences and 329 for drug driving in Wiltshire alone – a total of 912 people.
The 2021 total was 1,071.
“Please remember that you may feel okay the morning after a big night out, but you may still be over the limit. Don’t put yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk,” A/Insp Ayres added.